A bicycle built for three

Crystal Sled of Community and Primary Health Care, CPHC, left, and JoAnn Bell, founder of Cycling Without Age Brockville, take a ride aboard a new trio-bike unveiled Saturday and powered for the photo by volunteer Greg McElrea. (NICK GARDINER/Special to The Recorder and Times)

A shiny, new “trio bike” to take seniors around the city was unveiled to an appreciative audience Saturday morning at Brockville’s Community and Primary Health Care (CPHC) offices.

JoAnn Bell, founder of Cycling Without Age Brockville, partnered with CPHC to bring an international program started in 2012 in Copenhagen to the region.

“Two (CPHC) staff took it for a ride on the Brockville Trail and up to the Back Pond and said you can smell the lilacs and see the beautiful scenery. That’s exactly what we want the service to do,” said Bell.

The vehicle features an open seat in front with room for two, pedalled from behind by a volunteer with the appropriate police check. It also comes with protection if necessary against the elements and an ability to accommodate a wheelchair.

Bell said the Brock Trail is an ideal venue featuring different attributes both urban and rural sure to pique the riders’ interest. But the trio bike could also be used elsewhere, including neighbourhoods familiar to occupants as well as the city’s railway tunnel.

She said the program is operating around the world and the benefits to participants include increased engagement with the community and the simple pleasure of enjoying time outdoors.

CPHC’s executive director Tina Montgomery said the vehicle will be available for seniors’ residences and organizations that can provide their own volunteer cyclists to pedal them around town.

Initially, it will be utilized for CPHC’s adult day program, which marked its 20th anniversary in April.

“We were thrilled when JoAnn approached us with the offer,” said Montgomery.

“It’s a great birthday present for the program and it’s there for everyone regardless of age. We expect demand to be high.”

On hand for the unveiling was Gary Bradshaw, who brought the program to Ottawa after it was well established in Europe.

“In 2016 there were two bikes in Canada. Now there are at least 40 chapters coast-to-coast,” said Bradshaw.